Factory Stock Modifications

[BlkExp98]

I've been searching through the forum for some posts on modifying stocks and havent had too much luck with results. From the results i did find the pictures didnt work more times than not.

I have a Rem 700 5R special with the normal HS precision stock and want to modify the grip area so it has a more vertical position. I feel myself getting a inconsistant grip and ranther than adding texture i thought i may try reprofile it. I know i could sell this stock to recoup some money but i've already modified it with bedding and a recoil pad so that really hurts resale. I also just cant afford the about $500 minimum for a stock now.

So have any of you done some work to your stocks and can give me some ideas and lessons learned? I have a copy of the profile of a A5 stock so i could get a similar angle but im not sure how it would turn out right at the back of the reciever. What i really dont want to do is screw up my only stock and be totally out of the game.

My only real experience with fiberglass is some car audio, boat parts and a stock for a 10/22. I made a mold from some AI skins for a 10/22 stock and other than the inlet which i never finished it turned out decent. I however didnt think it through far enough and made it of SOLID fiberglass. So its stiff but weighs a good bit.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

The HS stock is NOT solid fiberglass, and if you sand off the durable outer shell, you will get into the inner dense foam core. Once you are in there, it soaks up paint, primer, sealer etc like a dang sponge. Honestly, if you really need a new grip profile, you would be better off biting the bullet and getting a new stock. Look at the HS or Bell&Carlson stocks, both make some in a pattern similar to what you seem to be looking for.

 

[rogan]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

maybe thin layers of marine-tex to build up to vertical?

 

[Topgun823]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

Take a look at RAT Grips. It adheres to your factory stock and you mold it to your grip. I have one on a REM700P and it is actually more comfortable than my McMillan A3.

 

[nobbie333actual]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

try duck tape to make a template when you are happy carve a patch out of styrofoam then cover with fiberglass and resin I did this a couple of year ago on mine

 

[UNCIVILIZED]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

I can’t say as I know how thick the finish [gelcoat] is in the area where you’ll be working is, but you’ll need to sand it off. As well as the gelcoat for a couple of inches in each direction around that spot. Just the finish, don’t sand through the fiberglass skin of the stock.

Do a good wipe down of the stock in the area to be modified with acetone to clean it. Then epoxy some foam onto the grip area, & sand it to the shape of your liking.
My favorite compound for gluing such things is a mix of milled glass fibers mixed with epoxy resin, mixed to about a ketchup consistency. http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product_Catalog/Fillers/fillers.html

Odds are you can get away with using blue board foam or similar. But test your resin on the foam prior to gluing it onto the stock, as some resins melt will certain types of foam. Such is also why I specify epoxy resin, as it’s less likely to do this.

When the resin mix holding the new foam on is cured, hand sand the foam to the shape of your desire, & then overlay several layers of fiberglass cloth & epoxy. Your best bet to get the glass to conform to the new shape, is to cut the cloth into small thin strips & patches.

Once the glass has cured, do an acetone wipe down, followed by a light sanding with say 100 grit. Then if needed you can add a bit of resin mixed with milled fibers to the grip, & sand it to exactly the right final shape. From there, the choice to re-overlay some glass cloth is up to you, depending on how well you want things to survive knocks & dings. But regardless, a couple of coats of epoxy resin on top everything wont hurt.

After everything’s cured for a few days, wipe it down with acetone. Then scuff it up a bit with some sandpaper, & get to painting & texturizing.

 

[Muttt]

Re: Factory Stock Modifications

By the time you get done paying for resin, fiberglass mat, filler, sandpaper, paint, brushes, etc ..... and the time and effort you are going to put into this to try and get it to the right shape, you may just be better off getting yourself a new stock.

You can pick up a nice B&C Tactical Medalist (with an pretty much vertical grip) for only 200 bucks. I'm sure you can probably get 125 or more for the stock you have. You'll pay more that the difference for the materials to make the modifications you plan on making.

I know this because I'm on my third boat. I put alot of fiberglass work into the first two.